10 Best Credit Cards for Amex Travel of October 2026
Top picks for Amex Travel from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Amex Travel, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
American Express Gold Card earns the top spot for Amex Travel purchases at 3.2¢ per dollar on hotels — a $325 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Amex Travel purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
American Express Gold Card
American Express
- +5x on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Annual fee $325. Other listed credits: $120 Dining Credit (up to $10/mo); $84 Dunkin' Credit (up to $7/mo); $100 Resy Credit (up to $50/6mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Global Assist Hotline; The Hotel Collection; Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance; $120 Uber Cash (up to $10/mo) — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express
- +5x on Flights — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Annual fee $895. Other listed credits: Digital Entertainment Credit (up to $300/yr); Equinox Credit (up to $300/yr); Lululemon Credit (up to $300/yr); Oura Ring Credit (up to $200/yr); Resy Restaurant Credit (up to $400/yr); Walmart+ Membership Credit (up to $155/yr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Airline Fee Credit (up to $200/yr); CLEAR Plus Credit (up to $219/yr); Fine Hotels + Resorts / Hotel Collection Credit (up to $600/yr); Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit (up to $120/4yr); Premium Car Rental Protection (Optional); Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance; Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance; Trip Delay Insurance; Uber Credit (up to $200/yr); Uber One Membership Credit (up to $120/yr); Premium Global Assist Hotline; Platinum Travel Service — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
Business Green Rewards
American Express
- +Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
- +15,000 points bonus (~$225 value)
Why American Express Gold Card wins for Amex Travel
American Express Gold Card earns 3.2¢ per dollar on hotels when you shop at Amex Travel, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 3.2¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $325 fee after about $10,120 a year in Amex Travel spending. To come out ahead of Hilton Honors American Express Card (1.2¢), you'd need about $16,170 a year here. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Travel Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 3.2¢/$ | $325 | — | amex |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 3.8¢/$ | $895 | — | amex |
| Business Green RewardsAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards | 1.5¢/$ | $95 | — | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x Hilton Honors | 1.2¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 3% cash back | 1.2¢/$ | $95 | — | amex |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x Marriott Bonvoy | 1.4¢/$ | $250 | — | amex |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 1% cash back | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardAmerican Express | 1x SkyMiles | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardAmerican Express | 3x Hilton Honors | 1.2¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardAmerican Express | 7x Hilton Honors | 1.7¢/$ | $550 | — | amex |
More Options
How to maximize value at Amex Travel
- Use American Express Gold Card for Amex Travel purchases — it earns 3.2¢ per dollar on hotels at Amex Travel in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Amex Travel; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair American Express Gold Card with The Platinum Card from American Express to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Cards with earn bonuses for Amex Travel
Extra points or cash back when you pay with these cards — not statement credits.
Cards with credits at Amex Travel
Statement credits or cash applied to your bill at Amex Travel, separate from earn rate.
- The Platinum Card from American ExpressFine Hotels + Resorts / Hotel Collection Credit$600
- The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley$600 Hotel Credit$600
- The Business Platinum Card from American ExpressFine Hotels + Resorts and Hotel Collection Credit$600
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardQuarterly Flight Statement Credit$200
Cards with memberships at Amex Travel
Similar Brands
Other brands in Travel where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Amex Travel?
- American Express Gold Card ranks #1 for Amex Travel in our list at 3.2¢ per dollar on hotels (including Amex Travel) — $325 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Amex Travel?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Amex Travel; check current portal rates before you buy.
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